ISLAM DURING THE TIME OF CALIPH ABU BAKAR
After the death of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH, the status as the Prophet cannot be
replaced by anyone (khatami al-anbiya' wa al-mursalin), but his second position as the leader of
the Muslims must be replaced immediately. That person is called the "Caliph", meaning who
replaces the Prophet as the head of the Muslims (leaders of the Islamic community) in giving
guidance to the right path and preserving the laws of Islam. He is the one who upholds justice
that always stands on the truth.
So after the death of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH, the leaders of Islam immediately
deliberated to find a replacement for the Prophet PBUH. After a fierce debate between the Ansar
and the Muhajirin, finally Abu Bakr's companion was chosen as the Caliph, meaning the
replacement of the Prophet PBUH which was later abbreviated as Caliph or Amirul Mu'minin. The
decision of the Prophet PBUH not to appoint a successor before his death and to submit it to the
deliberative forum of the companions is a product of Islamic culture that teaches how to control
the state and government wisely and democratically.4 The election of Abu Bakr as the first Caliph
in the Islamic constitution is one of the reflections of the concept of Islamic politics. Abu Bakr
accepted the position of Caliph at a time when Islamic history was in a state of crisis and crisis,
namely the emergence of divisions, the emergence of false prophets and the occurrence of
various rebellions that threatened the existence of the new Islamic country.
Indeed, the appointment of Abu Bakr was based on a joint decision (deliberation at the
Tsaqifah Bani Sa'idah hall) but what became the main source of chaos was that the death of the
Prophet was considered as a severance of ties with Islam, even used as a perception that Islam
had ended. Abu Bakr is not only said to be the Caliph, but also as the savior of Islam from
destruction because he has succeeded in restoring the Muslim ummah that had been divorced
after the death of the Prophet PBUH. So it can be concluded that the location of civilization during
the time of Abu Bakr was in religious matters (saviors and enforcers of Islam from destruction
and territorial expansion) through the Islamic system of government (caliphate). However, the
concept of caliphate among Shi'a is still opposed. According to the Shi'a, the caliphate is an
inheritance to Ali and his relatives, not an election as happened to Abu Bakr. Apart from these
differences in interpretation, it can be concluded that the concept of the caliphate is a product
of culture
Abu Bakr As-Shidiq is one of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH whose
full name is Abdullah Abi Quhafah At-Tamimi. In pre-Islamic times he was named Abu Ka'bah,
then replaced by the Prophet PBUH to Abdullah. He was born in 573 AD, and died on the 23rd of
Jumadil at the end of the year 13 H coinciding with August 634 AD, at the age of 63 years, his age
was 3 years younger than the Prophet PBUH. He was given the nickname Abu Bakr or the pioneer
of the morning, because he was one of the men who converted to Islam for the first time.
Meanwhile, the title As-Shidiq was obtained because he always justified all the things that the
Prophet PBUH brought, especially during the Isra' Mi'raj incident. After converting to Islam, he
became the most prominent member of the Islamic congregation after the Prophet PBUH. He
was appointed as a warlord by the Prophet PBUH, so that he could accompany the Prophet to
exchange opinions or negotiate. His main job was to do business, from the time of the Jahiliyah
until after he was appointed as the Caliph, so that one day he was reprimanded by Umar when
he was going to the market as usual: "If you are still busy with your business, who will carry out
the duties of the caliphate?"
Abu Bakr replied: "So what should I feed my family?" Then it was decided to pay the Caliph
from the baitul mall just to meet daily needs at a very simple level. Abu Bakr was the son of a
respectable noble family in Makkah. When he was a child, he was a symbol of purity and sincerity
of heart as well as the glory of his morals, so that everyone loved him. When the Prophet PBUH
invited people to embrace Islam, Abu Bakr was the first among the youth to respond to the call
of the Prophet, so the Prophet PBUH gave him the title "Ash-Siddiq". Abu Bakr's devotion to Islam
was very great. He gave up all his property for the sake of Islam. He always accompanied the
Prophet in carrying out Islamic missions until the Prophet PBUH died. At that time, some of the
population of Arabia had converted to Islam, so the Muslim community that was "still a baby"
was faced with a form of constitutional crisis. Because he did not appoint a successor, nor did
he even form an assembly council of the existing tribal lines. In the end, three factions emerged
that disputed the pillars of the caliphate.
The Tsaqifah Banu Sa'idah Incident Indeed, all historians admit that the Prophet, who
died in 11 AH, did not leave a will about the person who would replace him. Therefore, after the
Prophet PBUH died, the companions immediately gathered to deliberate in a place, namely
Tsaqifah Bani Sa'idah to choose a replacement for the Prophet (Caliph) to lead the Muslims. The
deliberation was spontaneously initiated by the Anshar. Their attitude shows that they have more
political awareness than others, in thinking about who will replace the Prophet in leading the
Muslims. In that meeting they experienced difficulties and even almost a split between groups,
because each group proposed a candidate for leader from its own group. The Ansar nominated
Sa'ad bin Ubaidah, citing those who helped the Prophet when the situation in Makkah was
critical. The Muhajirin want the replacement of the Prophet PBUH to be chosen from their group,
because it is the Muhajirin who has felt the bitterness of the struggle in Islam since the beginning
of Islam. Meanwhile, on the other hand, there is a group of people who want Ali Bin Abi Talib,
because of his services and position as the son-in-law of the Prophet PBUH, until the incident
became known to Umar. He then went to the Prophet's residence and sent someone to meet Abu
Bakr. Then the two departed and traveled to meet Ubaidah bin Jarroh. Upon arriving at the Banu
Sa'idah hall, they found two large groups of Ansar and Muhajirin fighting.
Abu Bakr calmly stood in the midst of them, then gave a speech in which he detailed the
services of the Ansar for the cause of Islam. On the other hand, he also emphasized the grace of
Allah that gave privileges to the Muhajirin who had followed Muhammad as a Prophet and
accepted Islam early and were willing to live in suffering with the Prophet. But Abu Bakr's speech
could not dampen the tense situation. Both groups still stand by their stance. Then Abu Ubaidah
invited the Anshor to be tolerant, as well as Bashir bin Sa'ad of Khazraj (Anshar) so that they would
not prolong this dispute. Finally the situation can be a little under control. In the midst of the
tensions, the Ansar still suggested that there should be two groups. It meant the rupture of the
unity of Islam, and finally Abu Bakr came forward at any risk and said, "I will agree with one of you
to choose between these two people, that is, we cannot put ourselves ahead of you in this
matter". The situation became even more chaotic, then Umar spoke out in support of Abu Bakr
and raised his allegiance to him. It did not take him long to convince the Ansar and others that
Abu Bakr was the most suitable person in Medina to be the first successor of the Prophet
Muhammad (peace be upon him). With the spirit of Islamiyyah, Abu Bakr was chosen. He was an
ideal person, because from the beginning of Islam was revealed to be the companion of the
Prophet, he was the companion who understood the Prophet's treatises the most. Besides that,
he also replaced the Prophet as an imam when the Prophet was sick. After them
Agreeing with Umar's idea, group by group came forward and together worshipped Abu
Bakr as Caliph. The baiat is called baiat tsaqifah because it is located in the Tsaqifah hall of Bani
Sa'idah. The political meeting was warm, open and democratic. In his inaugural speech, Abu Bakr
stated that he had accepted the position of caliph on the basis of bai'at. He expects help as long
as he is obedient to Allah and His Messenger, when he deviates he is ready to be straightened or
sent down. The political meeting is an important historical event for Muslims. Something that
binds them to remain in one government leadership. And the election of Abu Bakr as the first
Caliph, became the basis for the formation of the Caliph system of government in Islam.
The Islamic Political System of the Caliph Abu Bakr The appointment of Abu Bakr as
Caliph (the Prophet's successor) as explained in the Tsaqifah Banu Sa'idah incident, is proof that
Abu Bakr became the Caliph not of his own volition, but the result of consensus deliberation of
Muslims. With the election of Abu Bakr as Caliph, he began to carry out his caliphate, both as the
leader of the ummah and as the leader of the government. The Islamic political system during
Abu Bakr's time was "central", so legislative, executive and judicial power was centralized in the
hands of the Caliph, even so, in deciding a problem, Abu Bakr always invited the companions to
deliberate. Meanwhile, the political wisdom carried out by Abu Bakr in carrying out his caliphate
was: 1. Sending troops under the leadership of Usamah bin Zaid, to fight the Romans as a
realization of the Prophet's plan, when he was still alive. Actually, among the companions,
including Umar bin Khatab, many disagreed with the wisdom of this Caliph. Their reason was
because in their own country at that time there were symptoms of hypocrisy and apostasy that
penetrated to destroy Islam from within.
But Abu Bakr still sent Osama's troops to invade Rome, because according to him it was
an order of the Prophet PBUH. that the power of Islam is quite formidable. So that the rebels
become afraid, besides that it can also distract Muslims from internal disputes. 2. The
emergence of hypocrisy and apostasy. This is due to the assumption that after the Prophet
Muhammad PBUH died, all agreements with the Prophet were severed. As for the apostates at
that time, there were two, namely: a. Those who claim to be prophets and their followers include
those who abandon prayer, zakat and return to the habit of ignorance. b. They distinguish
between prayer and zakat, do not want to admit the obligation of zakat and spend it. In the face
of this hypocrisy and apostasy, Abu Bakr remained in principle that he fought them to the end. 3.
Developing Islamic territory out of Arabia. It is aimed at Syria and Persia. For the expansion of
Islam to Roman-controlled Syria (Emperor Heraclius), Abu Bakr assigned 4 warlords, namely
Yazid bin Abu Sufyan stationed in Damascus, Abu Ubaidah in Homs, Amir bin Ash in Palestine
and Surahbil bin Hasanah in Jordan. This effort was strengthened by the arrival of Khalid bin Walid
and his army as well as Mutsannah bin Haritsah, whom Khalid had previously successfully
expanded to several areas in Iraq and Persia. In the war against the Persians it was referred to as
"chain battles". This was because of the continuous resistance from Persia and brought many
casualties.
Government Based on Deliberation When something happens, Abu Bakr always seeks
the law in the book of Allah. If he did not get it, then he learned how the Messenger acted in a
matter, and if he did not find what he was looking for, he gathered the best men and invited them
to deliberate. Whatever they decide after discussion, discussion, and research, he makes it a
decision and a rule. 2. The Mandate of Baitul Mal The companions of the Prophet thought that
Baitul Mal was the mandate of Allah and the Muslim community, therefore they did not allow the
entry of something into it and the removal of anything from it which was contrary to what had
been stipulated by the Shari'ah. They forbade the actions of rulers who use Baitul Mal to achieve
personal goals. 3. The Concept of Political Government in Abu Bakr's reign he explained to the
people himself in a speech: "O man! I have been appointed to control your affairs, but I am not
the best among you. So if I can do my duty well, then help me, but if I do wrong, then set it straight!
The person you consider strong, I look down on as weak until I can take the right away from him.
As for the person you see as weak, I look at him as strong until I can return the right to him. So be
obedient to me as long as I obey Allah and His Messenger, but if I do not obey Allah and His
Messenger, you do not need to obey me. 4. The Power of the Law Abu Bakr never put himself
above the law. He also never gave his relatives a
The settlement of the Riddat of the Abu Bakr Caliphate, which was so short, was very busy
with war. In that battle it was not only against the enemies of Islam from without, but also from
within. This happened because there was a group of people who raised the banner of rebellion
against the Islamic state in Medina and left Islam (apostate) after the death of the Prophet. The
riddat movement (religious defection movement), began before the Prophet Muhammad fell ill.
When the news of the death of the Prophet Muhammad was announced, the religious defection
movement spread in the Central Region, the Eastern Region, the Southern Region to Medina Al-
Munawarah and Makkah Al-Mukaramah were already under siege. That is the reality faced by
Caliph Abu Bakr. The riddat movement began with the emergence of three figures who claimed
to be Prophets, in order to rival the Prophet Muhammad SAW, namely: Musailamah, Thulhah,
Aswad Al-Insa. Musailamah came from the Banu Hanifah tribe in Central Arabia, Tulaiha was a
chief of the Banu Asad, Sajah was a Christian woman from the Banu Yarbu who married
Musailamah. Each of these people seeks to expand their followers and turn their backs on Islam.
The false prophets generally appealed to Muslims by freeing them from moral principles and
religious ceremonies such as allowing drinking, gambling, reducing the five prayers to three,
abolishing the Ramadan fast, changing the payment of compulsory zakat to voluntary and
abolishing restrictions on marriage. In his movement, Aswad and his friends tried to dominate
and influence the Muslim community, by deploying troops to enter the regions. Finally, the Riddat
army managed to spread to the regions, including: Bahrain, Oman Mahara and Hadramaut. The
commanders of the riddat are increasingly aggressive in carrying out
However, Caliph Abu Bakr did not stay silent, he tried to extinguish and suppress the
movement of the people. Caliph Abu Bakr quickly formed eleven teams and handed over the al-
liwak (army banner) to each army. In addition, each army was equipped with al-mansyurat
(announcement) which had to be delivered to the Arab tribes that involved him in the riddat
movement. The content of the content calls back to the right path. If you are still stubborn, then
you will be faced with violence. Abu Bakr as a Caliph, did not let the incident continue. He saw
the apostate movement as a great danger, and then he gathered the soldiers of Medina and
divided them into eleven battalions with the command of each commander and assigned to
various places in Arabia. Abu Bakr instructed them to invite them back to Islam, if they refused,
they had to fight. Some of the tribes submitted without war, while others did not want to give up,
even fanning the flames of war. Therefore a war broke out against them, in this case Kholid bin
Walid who was given the task of subduing Tulaiha, in the battle of Buzaka succeeded brilliantly.
While Musailamah was the most powerful prophetic student, Abu Bakr sent Ikrimah and Surabil.
However, they failed to subdue Musailamah, then Abu Bakr sent Kholid to fight the false prophet
from Yemen. In that battle Kholid was able to destroy the Musailamah army and kill in a high-
walled garden, so the garden was called the "garden of death". The other false prophets,
including Tulaihah and Sajah, as well as apostate chieftains, converted back to Islam. Thus,
within one year all Islamic wars were endowed with success. Abu Bakr and his commanders
destroyed all the forces of troublemakers and apostates. Therefore, he is not only referred to as
the Caliph of Muslims, but also as the savior of Islam from chaos and destruction and has even
made Islam the religion of the world. The success of the war against the riddat group made Islam
regain the allegiance of the entire Arabian Peninsula. Besides
Such was the effort of Caliph Abu Bakr, with a persistent struggle, full of patience, policy
and firmness, finally Caliph Abu Bakr succeeded in eradicating the riddat people, then the riddat
movement in the Arabian peninsula ended, and all declared themselves again as loyal followers
of Islam. Caliph Abu Bakr in a short time succeeded in quelling the widespread riots by the riddat
and restoring order and security throughout the Arabian peninsula. Continuing to liberate the
Mesopotamian valley inhabited by Arab tribes. In addition, his great contribution to the interests
of Islam was that he ordered the collection of manuscripts of every verse of the Qur'an from the
archives of Al-Kuttab, namely the writers (secretaries) who had been appointed by the Prophet
Muhammad PBUH during his lifetime, and kept the entire manuscript in the house of the Prophet
PBUH's widow, Siti Hafshah. In no more than two years, Caliph Abu Bakr was able to uphold the
pillars of Islam, including outside the vast Arabian peninsula. The leadership of Caliph Abu Bakr
lasted only 2 years, 3 months and 11 days. This period is the shortest time when compared to the
leadership of the successor Caliphs. Nevertheless, he can be called the savior and enforcer of
the religion of God on earth. With his wise attitude as the head of state and his tawadhu'an to
Allah and his religion, he was able to destroy the enemies that undermined Islam and even
expand the territory of Islam beyond Arabia
The successes achieved by Caliph Abu Bakr during his time leading the Islamic
government can be detailed as follows: 1. Abu Bakr's attention was aimed at carrying out the
Prophet's wish, which was almost unfulfilled, namely sending an expedition under the leadership
of Usamah to the Syrian border. Although it was condemned by other friends, because the
conditions in the country at that time were still precarious. Finally the army was dispatched, and
within a few days Osama returned from Syria with a glorious victory. 2. The expertise of the Caliph
Abu Bakr in destroying the movement of the people, so that the movement could be destroyed
and within one year the Islamic rule was restored. After the event, Islamic solidarity was well
preserved and the victory over the rebellious tribes paved the way for the development of Islam.
This success also gave new hope and courage to face the Byzantine and Sasanian powers. 3. The
thoroughness of the Caliph Abu Bakr in dealing with those who refuse to pay zakat. He decided
to eradicate and subdue the group with intense attacks so that some of them surrendered and
returned to the true teachings of Islam. Thus Islam can be saved and zakat begins to flow again
from within and from abroad. 4. Carry out the development of Islamic territory out of Arabia. For
this reason, Abu Bakr formed a force under the command of Kholid bin Walid who was sent to
Iraq and Persia. This expedition yielded brilliant results. Then it concentrated its attack on
Roman-occupied Syria.
This is based on the fact that Syria is an important region for Arabia, because the
existence of Arabia depends on trade with Syria, so the conquest of Syria is important for
Muslims. But the absolute victory did not materialize until Abu Bakr died on Thursday, 22nd
Jumadil Akhir, 13 AH or 23 August 634 AD. From the above explanation, it can be concluded that
the Caliph Abu Bakr Al-Shiddiq was a firm, just andwise. During his lifetime until the time of
becoming the Caliph, Abu Bakr could be used as an example in simplicity, humility, prudence,
and meekness when he was rich and had a high position. This is proven by his success in facing
and overcoming the various complications that occurred during his reign. He does not prioritize
himself and his relatives, but prioritizes the interests of the people and also prioritizes the
community in making a decision. Finally, it needs to be understood that a da'wah life is always
full of challenges. As a Muslim, we should face it without despair, full of patience, policy and
peace of mind, as well as ask Him and strengthen the Islamic ukhuwah, in order to create a safe,
peaceful, sentosa and prosperous social order with solid unity and unity.
Before converting to Islam, he was an accomplished orator, a formidable wrestler, and
was always asked to be the representative of his tribe when facing conflicts with other Arab
tribes. Famous as a very brave person in opposing Islam, having fortitude and strong will, not
knowing confusion and doubt. He converted to Islam after hearing the verses of the Qur'an read
by his sister (Fatimah bint Khattab), even though at that time he wanted to kill his sister because
he followed the teachings of the Prophet. With the entry of Umar into Islam, the Prophet's prayer
was answered asking for Islam to be strengthened by one of the two Umar (Umar bin Khattab or
Amr bin Hisyam) and as a real victory for Islam. Before Caliph Abu Bakr died, he had appointed
Umar as his successor by asking for opinions from prominent figures from the Companions such
as Abdurrahman bin Auf, Uthman bin Affan, and Tolhah bin Ubaidillah. The reign of Umar bin
Khatab lasted for 10 years and 6 months, from 13 H/634 AD to 23 H/644 AD. He died at the age of
64. During his reign by Caliph Umar it was used to spread the teachings of Islam and expand its
power throughout the Arabian Peninsula.
Ahlul Hall Wal 'Aqdi Etymologically, ahlul hall wal aqdi is an institution that mediates and
gives fatwas. Meanwhile, according to terminology, it is the people's representative who sits as
a member of the shura assembly, which consists of religious scholars and clever people
(scholars) who become the leaders of the people and are elected over them. It is called ahlul hall
wal aqdi to emphasize their authority to abolish and cancel. The explanation of it is only a general
description, because in Islamic government, this body cannot be implemented. The members of
this council are elected for two reasons: first, those who have served in the world of politics, the
military, and the mission of Islam, for 8 to 10 years. Second, people who are prominent in terms
of breadth of insight and depth of knowledge about jurisprudence and the Quran. During his
reign, Umar had established an institution also known as ahlul hall wal aqdi, among which were:
1. Shura Council (Advisor Council), there are three forms: a. High Advisory Council, consisting of
famous leaders of the Companions, including Ali bin Abi Talib, Uthman bin Affan, Abdurrahman
bin Auf, Muadz bin Jabbal, Ubay bin Kaab, Zaid bin Tsabit, Tolhah and Zubair. b. The General
Advisory Council, composed of many companions (Anshar and Muhajirin) and leaders of various
tribes, is tasked with discussing matters of public interest. c. The Council between the High and
General Advisors, composed of selected companions (Anshar and Muhajirin), deals only with
specific matters. 2. Al-Katib (Secretary of State), among them is Abdullah bin Arqam. 3. Nidzamul
Maly (Ministry of Finance), regulates financial matters with revenues from land taxes, ghanimah,
jizyah, fai' and others. 4. Nidzamul Idary (Department of Administration), aims to facilitate
services to the community, including diwanul jund who is in charge of paying war troops and
government employees.
When the dissidents in the country had been wiped out by Caliph Abu Bakr and the era of
military conquest had begun, Umar considered that his main task was to succeed the expedition
initiated by his predecessor. Not to mention that even one year of reign, Umar has carved golden
ink in the history of the expansion of Islamic territory. In 635 AD, Damascus, the capital of Syria,
was subdued. A year later the entire territory of Syria fell to the Muslims, after a fierce battle in
the valley of Yarmuk east of the tributary of the Jordan River. The success of the Islamic forces in
the conquest of Syria during the time of Caliph Umar could not be separated from the series of
conquests in the previous period. Caliph Abu Bakr had sent a large army under the leadership of
Abu Ubaidah Ibn al-Jarrah to the Syrian front. When the army was desperate, Abu Bakr ordered
Khalid Ibn al-Walid, who was being sent to lead the army to the Iraqi front, to help the troops in
Syria. With a quick movement, Khalid and his army crossed the vast desert towards Syuriah. He
and Abu Ubaidah urged the Roman army. In that critical situation, Abu Bakr died and was
replaced by Umar bin al-Khattab. The new caliph had other wisdom. Khalid, who was trusted to
lead the army during Abu Bakr's time, was dismissed by Umar and replaced by Abu Ubaidah Ibn
alJarrah. This was not communicated to the troops until the end of the war, with the intention of
not destroying concentration in facing the enemy. Damascus fell to the Muslims after
From Syria, the Muslim army continued its march into Egypt and made victories in the
North African region. The Romans had ruled Egypt since 30 B.C., and made the fertile region the
most important source of wheat supplies for the Romans. Various kinds of taxes rose so that it
caused chaos in the country that was once ruled by the king of Pharaoh. 'Amr bin Ash asked
Caliph Umar for permission to invade the region, but the Caliph was still hesitant because the
Islamic forces were still scattered on several battle fronts. Eventually, the request was granted
by the Caliph by sending 4000 soldiers to Egypt to help the expedition. In 18 AH, the Muslim army
reached the city of Aris and occupied it without resistance. Then subdued Poelisium (Al-Farama),
a port on the Mediterranean coast that was the gateway to Egypt. One month the city was
besieged by Muslim troops and was conquered in 19 AH. One after another cities in Egypt were
conquered by Muslim troops. The city of Babylonia could also be subdued in 20 AH, after seven
months of siege. Alexandria (the capital of Egypt) was besieged for four months before being
conquered by Islamic forces under the leadership of Ubaidah Ibn as-Samit sent by the Caliph
from Medina to help the troops of 'Amr bin Ash who were already on the Egyptian front lines.
Cyrus signed a peace treaty with the Muslims. With the fall of Alexandria, the conquest of Egypt
was complete. The capital of the country was moved to the city of Fusthat, which was built by
Amr bin Ash in 20 AH. With Syria as a base, the advance of troops into Armenia, northern
Mesopotamia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan became open. Likewise, the attacks on Asia Minor carried
out over the years
